The Lady's Hand Read online

  "Ready for what, though?"

  "Romance, adventure... who knows? For life!"

  "You know, once I come back from Natchez and have to resume my teaching duties, I'll have to put all of this away and go back to pinning my hair in a bun again."

  "Whyr

  "Because it's expected of me."

  "Do you always do what's expected of you?"

  Claire was thoughtful for a moment. "I suppose I have... up until now."

  "Good. We're both changing, and for the better, I hope."

  "So do I," she said. "Now, Miss O'Neill, it's time to concentrate on you again."

  "I was afraid you were going to say that."

  "There's no escaping me. Tonight is your first test. We're going to find out just how good a tutor I am. How much are you going to eat tonight at dinner?"

  "Next to nothing no matter how delicious everything looks."

  "Very good. And what kind of language will you use?"

  "Only language suitable for a lady. Even if I hurt myself desperately, I will smile and bear up quietly."

  "Wonderful, and finally, what kind of conversations will you have?"

  "Inane ones." Brandy sighed wearily. "I'll keep smiling and saying all the sweet things everyone wants to hear. That way, when everyone goes home and they think about me, they'll think I'm the nicest, most wonderful lady in the whole wide world."

  "Magnificent."

  "Just because I learned it doesn't mean I like it. There's much to be said for honesty and forthrightness."

  "You're not being dishonest when you're being a lady. You're just projecting an image of cool control and unflappability. When you're acting ladylike, you appear to be able to handle any situation with aplomb. To all the world, it seems nothing can disturb you, that you can handle anything, no matter how tragic."

  Brandy nodded. "I know, but so many of the qual ity ladies I've met over the years have been cruel and mean-spirited."

  "Then you just make sure that you're one of the ones who's not. Always defend the defenseless. Always champion the weak. It will make you a better person and a more caring one, too. Sometimes wealth does strange things to people. It's always good to remember where you came from and how you got where you are."

  Unbeknownst to Claire, her words had struck at the very heart of Brandy's dilemma. She knew exactly where she'd been, and she would never forget how she had come to be where she was. Paying her debt to Rafe had landed her here, and while there were moments when she thought that maybe, just maybe, some good would come of it, she could never forget what the ultimate outcome would be. For her own sake and for any children she might have in the future, she would learn all these lessons well. But she would never, ever forget who she really was.

  At seven o'clock that night, Brandy was ready for her dinner engagement with Rafe's business acquaintance.

  "In all honesty, what do you think?" Brandy asked her tutor, twirling like a debutante in front of her for Claire's final stamp of approval.

  "I think you look like a lady," she complimented her.

  "Really?" Brandy turned questioning eyes to her one last time.

  "Really. You are a vision to behold, and you move with a confidence that marks you as a woman in control. You can handle any situation that arises."

  "Right."

  "And you're going to have a wonderful time to night. I want you to remember that."

  "If you say so."

  "I do."

  They heard the knock at the door downstairs then and Delia going to answer it. The deep sound of Rafe's voice drifted up the steps to them, and Claire glanced at her.

  "Are you ready?"

  Brandy drew a steadying breath and nodded.

  "Wait here. I'll go down and greet him, and then you can make a grand entrance."

  "Is that necessary?"

  "Yes. I want you to be able to gauge his reaction when he first sets eyes on you. I want you to see how he feels about you. He won't be able to disguise it. You're far too beautiful to ignore."

  It you say so.

  "You'll see. You missed it the other night when you were dancing with Monsieur Hebert. I want to make certain that you don't miss it tonight. Give me a minute, then follow."

  Claire swept from the room and down the steps to welcome Rafe. She was still wearing her hair down the way they'd styled it earlier that day, and she noticed Rafe's surprise at the change in her appearance.

  "Good evening, Rafe. It's good to see you tonight," Claire greeted him.

  "It's good to see you, too. Your hair is different, and without your glasses.. .You look very nice," he said approvingly.

  "Why, thank you. Brandy and I were experimenting today, and I thought I'd try something a little different."

  "It's very becoming."

  Claire smiled, pleased with his response. She knew that if he hadn't liked it, he wouldn't have said anything. "Brandy will be right down. She's excited about tonight."

  "It should be an enjoyable evening."

  "You're dining with a business acquaintance?"

  "Yes. Steven Gibson and his wife, Geraldine. I'm thinking of investing in his shipping company, so it's an important dinner."

  "Well, I hope it all goes very well for you."

  It was then that Brandy appeared at the top of the staircase. Rafe saw a movement at the landing and looked up.

  Claire couldn't help but smile broadly at his reaction. She watched him carefully as his eyes widened and a slow, appreciative smile curved his lips.

  "Good evening, Rafe," Brandy said softly as she descended toward him.

  "Brandy," he managed, his voice sounding just a bit hoarse.

  "Do you like the dress?" she asked.

  Her gown was an off-the-shoulder creation that fitted her perfectly, enhancing the fullness of her bosom and the slightness of her waist. Deep rose in color, it set off her fair skin and made her look fabulous.

  "You look beautiful," he told her, meaning it. He noticed his diamond sparkling on her hand, and he felt a surge of male pride in knowing that she was his. Even as he thought it, though, he was taken aback. He didn't want a wife. He'd never wanted a wife. He was taking one for convenience's sake and nothing more. Yet still, the idea that she was his pleased him enormously, and he refused to analyze his feelings further.

  "Shall we go then?" Brandy said sweetly as she moved past him to claim her light wrap.

  "Your carriage awaits." He gestured toward the door in a gallant motion. Then Rafe glanced back at Claire. "Don't worry. I'll have her back before midnight."

  "That will be fine. I'll be waiting for her."

  Brandy shot Claire a glowing look as she disappeared from the house on Rafe's arm.

  Brandy was very quiet in the carriage and drew a puzzled look from Rafe.

  "Is something bothering you?" he asked, sensing that she was tense about something.

  "No...er, yes... Oh, I don't know."

  "What is it? Is something wrong?"

  "No, nothing's wrong. I'm just nervous, that's all."

  "But why? You look more beautiful than ever. Everything's going to be fine."

  "I'm glad you think so. It's just that I'm afraid we'll run into someone who will recognize me, and it will ruin your whole evening."

  "Brandy, I'm sure a lot of men will recognize you. You're a beautiful woman who's not easy to forget. But I'm not ashamed of you," he told her forthrightly.

  "You're not?"

  "No. If anything, I'm proud of you of the way you've worked to support yourself and your mother."

  "Then why did you insist on the tutor and the chaperone?"

  "To help you, not to insult you. I want to make this transition as easy as possible. That's why I told Claire that money was no object when it came to your wardrobe. I want you to have everything you need. I don't want you to lack for anything."

  Brandy looked up at him, a new softness in her eyes. "Thank you."

  "And you're going to be all right. Don't worry. Steve Gibs
on's a very nice man, and I'm sure his wife is just as nice. Things will be fine."

  "I'm glad you think so. I don't want to disappoint you."

  "You won't disappoint me, Brandy... ever...."

  He gazed down at her, seeing the pure beauty of her, seeing the look of innocence in her eyes. His gaze went over her, and he couldn't help himself. He bent to her and kissed her. It was a soft kiss, a gentle kiss. One that explored and coaxed, but did not demand.

  Brandy had been gazing up at him, hearing him say that he was proud of her and would never be disappointed in her, and she couldn't believe it. She wanted to think that he was telling her the truth. She wanted to think that he really meant it. When he kissed her ever so sweetly, her heart lurched in her breast.

  This was not a man demanding favors from her. This was not a man wanting more than she could give. This was a man who was giving, not taking.

  Brandy relaxed against Rafe, wanting the reassurance that she did look pretty. She had seen his admiring expression as she came downstairs. Now, he was being kind to her and she found she liked it... maybe too much.

  Right now, though, it didn't matter, for his lips were on hers and the night was spinning out of control.

  The carriage pulled to a halt just then at the door of the hotel, and with a groan, Rafe was forced to release her.

  "Everything is going to go just fine. You'll see," he promised, touching her cheek gently before pressing one last quick kiss on her lips.

  The carriage door flew open, and they were forced to descend. As they did, Brandy's cheeks were flushed and she looked like a woman who was madly in love.

  "It is lovely to meet you at last," Geraldine Gibson said as she greeted Brandy for the first time in the restaurant. "I've heard so many wonderful things about you."

  "Oh?" Brandy was a bit taken aback by Geraldine's statement, yet her expression revealed nothing but pleasantness.

  "Why, Rafe here has done nothing but sing your praises to us all week. I'm just so glad that we're finally able to find some time to spend together."

  "It's a pleasure to meet you, too," Brandy returned as she slipped into the chair that Rafe was holding out for her. She cast him a sweet smile as she did.

  After their orders were taken, Geraldine leaned intimately toward Brandy.

  "I've been waiting all week to ask you, and now that we're together, I must hear the whole story! Tell me all!"

  Brandy looked at her wide-eyed. "What story?"

  Rafe leaned over to take her hand, and Brandy was reassured by the strength of his warm, steady grip.

  "Geraldine's a hopeless romantic, sweetheart. I mentioned to her our whirlwind courtship, and she had been dying to hear the entire story ever since."

  "You did?" Brandy's eyes were wide and innocent as she looked at her "beloved." "Well, I'll tell you, Geraldine, men like my Rafe are so rare...."

  "Oh, I know it. He's a man after my own heart - a romantic just like my Steven," the other woman told her as she looked at her husband. "We've been married for over fifteen years now, but he's still a hero to me. He swept me off my feet and to the altar so quickly, I didn't know what happened. I've never regretted it, though."

  "That's wonderful," Brandy sighed, giving Geraldine a truly warm smile. It must be heavenly to be that devoted to each other and that much in love. She wondered what it would feel like.

  "So, now, how did this all happen? Rafe told us that the first time he saw you was on board the steamship on the trip up here."

  "I remember the first time I saw him, too. He was so handsome and there he was, just standing there watching me. Later, I saw him dancing with another woman, and I just couldn't wait until I was the one in his arms."

  Rafe met her regard levelly, his eyes dark with meaning, and he was smiling ever so slightly.

  "And now you are." Geraldine sighed loudly. "Oh, my. This is so exciting. You knew you were meant to be together just as quickly as Steven and I did."

  "It didn't take long for me to know that Brandy was the woman for me," Rafe said.

  Brandy knew he meant it, too, for as much as it pained her to admit it, no other woman of his acquaintance could be blackmailed into the arrangement he'd set for her.

  "And your wedding is next week?"

  "Yes. It's going to be a small, private ceremony. Neither one of us has a large family, so we're keeping things intimate."

  "I wish you both so much happiness. There's nothing more sacred than marriage. It's a lifelong commitment that grows stronger with each passing year, and then when the day comes that you're blessed with children... Why, children are the most important thing in life."

  "How many do you and Steve have?"

  "We have two boys and a girl," Steve offered proudly. "One of these days, I'll bring the boys into the business with me, and we'll just keep getting bigger and better."

  "Do you plan to have children?" Geraldine asked.

  "Oh, yes," Rafe said. "In fact, it was one of the few things we talked seriously about before we decided to marry. We both want to have children and as soon as possible."

  "I can just see you now, Brandy, holding a darkhaired little boy who looks just like your handsome husband," Geraldine sighed contentedly.

  How Brandy managed to control herself, she never knew, but she gave the credit to years of poker playing and Claire's lectures on control.

  Brandy's smile was sweet. "I love children. I think having a baby will probably be one of the most important moments of my life."

  Rafe tensed subtly at her words. Obviously she couldn't wait to bear his child so she could be free of him and of their arrangement.

  "Well, dear, you must keep in touch with me and let me know all the news after you go home. I'd like us to be friends. It seems we have so much in common." Geraldine reached over and patted her hand.

  "I'd like that." Brandy had been pleasantly surprised so far, for Geraldine did seem to be a genuinely nice person.

  The conversation continued on to business, and then the meal was served. It was during the main course that another couple came into the dining room and was seated across the room from them. Brandy noticed Geraldine's expression turn sour, and she wondered at the reason.

  "Is something wrong?" Brandy asked, as the men continued to speak of the shipping business.

  "I can't believe it!" Geraldine said in a low, scandalized voice.

  "Can't believe what?" Brandy glanced around trying to figure out what had upset Geraldine.

  "I can't believe that they let her into this restaurant," she huffed.

  "Who?" Brandy asked.

  "Why Nila Sanders, of course," Geraldine said pointedly, motioning slightly toward a nicely dressed woman who'd just been seated with an attractive man escorting her.

  "She looks fine to me. Is there something wrong with her?" Brandy couldn't imagine what the problem was.

  "Of course she looks fine. Clothes are always the first thing they buy. White trash isn't always poor, you know," Geraldine carped. "That woman shouldn't be welcome here."

  "What do you mean by `that' woman?"

  "She's just one step out of the gutter. She used to work down on the riverfront in one of those ...saloons." She said the last word with utter disdain. "She's hardly out of the gutter, and yet they allow her in here with us..."

  Steven looked at his wife fondly, but there was an edge of impatience in his tone when he spoke. "Geraldine, honey, I want you to think about what you're saying. You should be proud of that woman for working her way up to a better life."

  "Proud of her? She should stay with her own kind," Geraldine insisted.

  Rafe was listening to the discussion in disbelief. He was shocked by Geraldine's bigoted views. He glanced at Brandy. He was proud of her tonight. She looked the lady, and she was acting the lady. Even Geraldine hadn't recognized her mean beginnings. Little did Geraldine know that her comments about Nila Sanders applied to Brandy, too.

  His gaze caught and held Brandy's. He saw a flash of
hurt in her eyes that was quickly followed by fiery anger, and he knew he had to speak up and quickly. "You know, Geraldine, not everyone has been born with our wealth, comfort and security. Your family and mine have been very blessed. Some people work long hours all their lives just to keep food on the table and never get ahead. I agree with Steve. You should be applauding that woman's efforts."

  Geraldine didn't look the least bit chastened until Steve spoke up again. "Sweetheart, you might as well admit it. My family is just one generation away from living in that gutter you're talking about. My grandfather was only a step above an indentured servant when he came over, and it's taken us this long to get where we are. You should remember that everybody doesn't have the strong family ties that we did to help each other out."

  "Steve's right, Geraldine," Rafe went on, wanting to erase that pain he'd seen in Brandy's eyes. "Sometimes fate plays cruel tricks on people, and they're forced by circumstances to do whatever they must to survive."

  "I suppose you're right." Geraldine backed down, but it irritated her to do it.

  "I know they are," Brandy managed, finally calming herself enough to speak without rancor. "It's always best to be kind and to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. The woman you're speaking about has obviously worked hard to get where she is today. We should be celebrating her willingness to take matters in her own hands, to work hard and do what had to be done. I shudder when I think of what the alternative would have been for her."

  Geraldine found herself rethinking her condemnation of the other woman. "It's just that I was so shocked to see her after all the gossip I'd heard about her last week."

  "Perhaps it's time to stop listening to the gossips and to start forming your own opinions."

  "Perhaps you're right."

  After that, Brandy couldn't wait for the evening to end. They bade each other a polite good night about a half hour later, and Rafe summoned a carriage for them.

  "You were magnificent," he told Brandy as the vehicle rumbled off toward Claire's house.

  "No, you were," she said, looking into his eyes. "Thank you."

  Her words were soft, yet filled with meaning, and Rafe couldn't stop himself. He did what he'd wanted to do ever since they'd reached the hotel hours before. He took her in his arms and he kissed her, this time passionately.